MikeMaster99 
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I really like the idea of a peer support group for new authors with an editor or very experienced author as a mentor. The new authors would be encouraged to test out their quizzes on their peers, prior to submission, to get immediate feedback in a friendly, learning environment. I really don't know if the software will allow such a development - I suspect it might not be straightforward.
This is exactly the way we help new graduate students to write their first research papers - by creating a 'writing workshop' group, where each person has their efforts critiqued in a highly supportive environment. So the writer gets to improve their own writing while also learning what works and what doesn't by providing feedback to their peers. It normally works really well and creates lots of relatively painless baby steps to final submission rather than a huge leap.
Mike
Reply #21. Aug 16 12, 9:07 PM
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salami_swami
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I would prefer one on one mentoring over a group, however. People will. E overcome ith embarrassment in a group, and typically, in a group, one person will not understand but move on with the rest anyway.
It would be fine to have more than one student during the same time frame, but perhaps not at the saw time with same discussion.
When I tutored math, I found that the kids who were alone learned so much more, less nervous with just themselves and the mentor,vthan when in a group.
Reply #22. Aug 16 12, 9:26 PM
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Mariamir
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Actually, for myself, I prefer a group setting when it is something new. AS a group, you feel more secure being part of a crowd, and also learn. One on one is too much like an exam, and you feel nervous.
I do learn more one on one, but for something new a group is preferable.
Reply #23. Aug 16 12, 9:35 PM
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| triviaking162
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Maybe it can be an author's choice? Whether they want a group or 1 on 1? But I don't know if this could even be made.
Reply #24. Aug 16 12, 9:54 PM
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kyleisalive
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None of us know if it can be made. ;)
The discussion, like I said, will help create 'Project Q' here, but it's also a chance for the editors to take a look at the ideas you want to see.
'Project Q' is not a one-on-one or team mentoring program, but these types of things fuel discussions we may have in the future. :)
Reply #25. Aug 16 12, 9:58 PM
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agony
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As Kyle said at the beginning, we can't promise that ideas suggested here will happen, but we can promise that we will read and think about every one.
Reply #26. Aug 16 12, 10:07 PM
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robert326
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This sounds real interesting - as people here have spoken about mentoring, I can say this is something I would really benefit from. I feel that I have many ideas for quizzes but not enough ability or focus to put together 10 questions that would be connected in a meaningful way, and that would be enjoyable for players to experience. Maybe I am over-thinking but I feel I can use an experienced quiz author or editor to give a needed "push."
If this type of mentoring already exists (even informally), please let me know.
Reply #27. Aug 16 12, 10:14 PM
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salami_swami
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I would like the choice between group and one on one.
On the other side, some people struggle teaching just one. Others find it hard to teach an entire group.
I, for one, learn better alone, and teach better alone. :-)
Reply #28. Aug 16 12, 10:15 PM
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salami_swami
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I am sure you can ask just about any editor or experienced author. Regardless of who you message, just about every one of us are willing to help. Anything that sees more quizzes... We're happy to help. :-)
I also suggest to find someone you would like to work with, and make a collaborated quiz. These are great ways to start. That way, you only have to write half a quiz, with help from that author/editor, and they'll write the other half. And it can be your template to be counted as your quiz.
I know that I would have loved that, had I thought about it when I was a new author. ;-)
Reply #29. Aug 16 12, 10:22 PM
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robert326
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Thanks Swami! Those are good points. The community aspect here really makes the site what it is.
Reply #30. Aug 16 12, 10:26 PM
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| triviaking162
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Yeah, don't be afraid to participate in challenges here also. There are open challenges so you can take titles and anyone here would be willing to help you out even without a concrete system.
Reply #31. Aug 16 12, 10:29 PM
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salami_swami
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I love the community part... Twould be boring to play quiz after quiz. Chatting, arguing, laughing, helping, etc... I love that.
I am just as chatty in real life, but find it difficult to meet new people. Thus, I love these boards. I think I'm annoying sometimes, but I like to chat, do don't really care. :-P
See, there I go. That didn't warrant a response but I did anyway. ;-)
Reply #32. Aug 16 12, 10:30 PM
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salami_swami
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I echo TK. In my opinion, there has always been a mentoring system... You just have to ask someone. ;-)
Reply #33. Aug 16 12, 10:31 PM
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habitsowner
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Salami,
I for one, and I'm sure everyone else here agrees with me, that you aren't annoying. You're a joy to be around!
Lee
Reply #34. Aug 16 12, 10:38 PM
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kyleisalive
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Re: "I echo TK. In my opinion, there has always been a mentoring system... You just have to ask someone. ;-)"
I think that's the catch though-- new authors are apprehensive to do this for whatever reason (some of these reasons have already been posted here). It would be great to see some unofficial mentorships; as Agony said, there's no guarantee we can make something like this work officially at this point in time.
Not to say it's not a good idea-- it is.
Reply #35. Aug 16 12, 10:39 PM
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salami_swami
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Thanks habits. :-D
Exactly, Kyle, good point. It's not easy to ask for a mentor, unless there is a system put in place for one.
Reply #36. Aug 16 12, 10:50 PM
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malik24
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I'd just like to reiterate the idea to have an FAQ, beginner's guide or similar page where all the key info is on one page (but concisely so as not to be too overbearing) plus some broad advice. That page can also suggest not being afraid to ask for pointers from editors/experienced authors.
The quiz author lounge could also be linked to from that page, as I am not sure how many people actually know this forum exists.
A badgelet for completing your first quiz or for getting your first pair of sunglasses could be a nice bit of positive reinforcement for fledgling authors as well.
Reply #37. Aug 16 12, 11:00 PM
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Creedy
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(Oh dear, before I read most of this, I had a would be quiz writer send me a compliment earlier today saying how much she wanted to write a quiz but didn't feel confident enough. Feeling in a good mood (it's almost spring), I wrote back the following, so hope it's OK)
"I started out by writing single questions too - and eventually graduated from there to writing full quizzes. It's easier than you may think :)
Here's a few tips for when you do decide to write one of your own:
1. Read the instructions on the quiz form itself thoroughly. Each category has slightly different requirements.
2. Nice short sentences in the additional information section. Three or four is what the Editors seem to prefer.
3. If the quiz is sent back to you for further work, don't take it personally. Editors don't know us from a bar of soap. Their focus is the quiz only.
4. Never argue with an Editor. Some writers do and it's a waste of time. They'll never win. Just make the required changes as asked.
5. The Editors will always answer questions and give advice when asked, especially for new quiz writers.
6. Send me a note if you get stuck writing the quiz. I'll be glad to help if I can.
7. Keep questions fairly short if possible. And, this may seem silly advice, but the question has to be an actual question, complete with question mark. Some writers don't actually ask a question which I think is a bit comical.
8. Stay away from questions that are time-stamped. An example of this is - for a sportsman who is still active eg - "how many trophies did Joe Blow win during his career?" He may actually go on to win more trophies still, and that will eventually make the question and answer out of date and incorrect.
Time stamping is the biggest pitfall writing quizzes but they have a thread on the site in the author's lounge to tell you exactly what to do there. AND, this will make you feel good, they always like new authors to have a go at writing a quiz.
I think the first quiz I wrote I almost had a heart attack, but in no time at all, you'll feel much more comfortable with it. The authors in the Authors Lounge (lah de dah) are lovely and only too willing to give advice. Some of them are Editors themselves.
If your quiz is sent back for further work, don't think you're a failure at writing them. Everyone has quizzes sent back from time to time, even very experienced writers.
Good luck if you decide to go ahead - and remember, I'm always around somewhere :)
Pat"
Reply #38. Aug 16 12, 11:38 PM
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Plodd
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That should read inter team quiz :)
Reply #39. Aug 17 12, 5:26 AM
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Plodd
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My prevoius post disappeared. It showed for a few minutes then vanished :(
Reply #40. Aug 17 12, 8:00 AM
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This thread has been closed to new replies.
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